[Congressional Record: March 12, 2001 (Extensions)]
[Page E335]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr12mr01-11]
ELIMINATE PENALTY FOR CITIZENSHIP
______
HON. PATSY T. MINK
of hawaii
in the house of representatives
Monday, March 12, 2001
Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, on January 3, 2001, I introduced
H.R. 133 to correct an unintended consequence where a petitioner
seeking a visa for her children to come to the United States loses her
place in line if she changes her status from legal resident to U.S.
citizen.
This problem primarily affects Filipinos because of the huge backlog
in the quota for unmarried sons or daughters of American citizens from
the Philippines. It is longer than that of unmarried sons and daughters
of lawful permanent residents.
Such a consequence penalizes people for becoming a citizen.
Imagine how devastating it is for a petitioner to become an American
citizen, only to find that this significantly delays your child's entry
date to enter the United States. It is heartbreaking to have to inform
constituents of this sad consequence of their becoming a U.S. citizen.
I am forced to advise petitioners not to apply for citizenship to
avoid this penalty.
As a legal resident, remember they could lose many benefits such as
Medicaid. To be reunified with their children, the law, unless changed,
forces them to risk much.
Please join me in changing this inequitable outcome by the enactment
of H.R. 133.
____________________